ARVO 2016: Emerging Drug Targets Toxic Build-Up in Stargardt Disease

Like many diseases affecting the macula, the center of the retina, Stargardt disease is a waste-management problem. The “garbage” comes from the processing of vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for vision. If you think of the retina as the engine for vision, vitamin A is the fuel; it enables the retina to convert light into the electrical signals that enable vision. And just like gasoline, which produces exhaust, vitamin A, when metabolized, leads to undesirable by-products.

People with Stargardt disease have a vitamin-A recycling defect leading to the build-up of waste products. Research suggests that the accumulated damage over time from toxins leads, ultimately, to loss of photoreceptors and vision. Unfortunately, in Stargardt disease, the problem is most pronounced in the macula, which is responsible for central vision. People with the condition usually have a progressively expanding blind spot, making it difficult to read, drive and recognize faces.

In August 2015, the biotech company Alkeus launched a multi-center TEASE Phase II clinical trial for the drug ALK-001, which targets this waste-management problem. The emerging therapy is a modified form of vitamin A, which, when metabolized in the retina, results in much less waste. Scientists developed ALK-001 by replacing hydrogen atoms in vitamin A with deuterium. Known as deuterated vitamin A, it “burns cleaner” than the natural form. Deuterium is a safe, naturally occurring, non-radioactive form of hydrogen which is present in the human body.

Hendrik Scholl, M.D., TEASE’s coordinating investigator and principal investigator at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, presented a poster describing the ALK-001 project on May 2 at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) which is attended by 12,000 eye and retina experts from around the world. He discussed the drug’s mechanism of action, the design of the 50-participant, two-year clinical trial and initial safety data.

Thus far, animal studies have shown that ALK-001 prevents the formation and accumulation of toxins, and vision loss, in mice affected with Stargardt disease. A four-week, Phase I safety-only study in people was successful; no adverse events, toxicity or side effects were reported.

“The Phase II study will hopefully tell us more about the drug’s potential for slowing vision loss in people with Stargardt disease,” says Dr. Scholl. “If it works, we may have an opportunity to try it for other macular conditions, including dry age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the United States and Europe. In all of these macular diseases, toxins from vitamin A-processing are thought to be contributing to the degeneration. It would be great to have a single option that can address many of them.”

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I was diagnosed with Stargaurt disease a couple month ago and it’s been very hard accepting it. I am only 19 and I hope that one day there will be a cute. Is it ever possible if a scientist thinks they found a cure that they would want to test it on people ? If so I’d be up for it !!

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns.Thank you for your support that is enabling the development of new treatments for degenerative retinal disease.Sincerely,

My son was diagnosed with Stargardt in June 2015, when he was 9 years old. He is currently under the Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. We are interested in any trials which may offer some hope in preventing his vision deteriorating further over time. He is a very talented, sociable little boy with huge potential and we don’t want him robbed of the chances to follow some of his dreams as he grows older.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I WAS TOLD I HAVE STARGARDTS WHEN I WAS IN MY 20,S NOW IM 48 AND CNA SEE THE CHANGE ALOT! WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF THIS ! HOPE THEY FIND A CURE BECAUSE I WANT TO BE ABLE TO SEE MY GRANDCHILDREN GROW UP!!!

I am having the problem of vision from childhood but not caring that and recent diagnosis found “Stargardts” and it doesn’t have treatment. Felt unhappy with news. Now started searing about that and found here about ALK-001.

Any help require for research, pls consider the request. I am from India.

My husband has been diagnosed with Stargarts 4 months ago. If there is any way to take part in the clinical trial, please let us know. We really hope that there is a cure for it soon. At the moment my husband sees ok and we hope something will be available soon to slow down the degeneration of the macula before its gets much worse. Thank you!

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I have two grand daughters that have been recently diagnosed with Stargardt disease. They are only 22 & 24 years old. I don’t know what I can do to help them? Is there any treatment available at this time? I know that there’s no cure at present but maybe there’s some treatment that could slow it? Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Your granddaughters should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns.Thank you for your support that is enabling the development of new treatments for degenerative retinal disease.

I have some form of macular degeneration. Stargrtz has been mentioned as a possible diagnosis. I would be more than happy to be included in clinical trials. I would go anywhere and do anything to halt the progression of this disease. Thank you for this article.

Hello, I am 22 and have Stargardt’s disease and I am interested in participating in this trial. I was referred to send my blood to the Carver Lab in Iowa and they tested my blood for CRD and Stargardts and the test showed that I had Stargardt’s disease. If you can please contact me by email with any information that would be great. Also, if there is any other people reading this and have Stargardt”s or any information on Stargardt’s please share with me. Thanks

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

My son was diagnosed with stargardts when he was 6.Now he is 12. He is being treated at Sreedhareeyam ayurvedic eye hospital in Kerala(India). Now his vision is stable since last three years. If there is any chance to cure it, please inform me.

Hy
My name is Denise,i am almost 28 years oldm abd i am from Romania.
About age 10 i was diagnosted with Stargardt dissease and i managed to study and to become a psychotherapist.
I am looking forward to finding a cure for this dissease or at least a way to stop it progress.
How long it will take before finding out if this durg safety works? and how log will it take nefore this drug will be traded?
Best regars

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

My daughter, 27, was diagnosed with Bull’s eye maculopathy when she was 19 and was told that it may represent a disorder like Stargardt’s disease. We would be grateful for any current information on the latest developments, research, and drugs.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) is currently in Phase 3 trials for dry AMD. Once approved by the FDA, Emixustat could be prescribed for Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

Hello,
My son was diagnosed for Stargardts last week , he is only 11 years old, and sees still 30%.
I myself also have Sargardts from my childhood and my sight is now 15%. We really are hoping there will be a treatment to stop the loss of sight , especially for my boy.
My doctor told me it could be that I have a dominant gen, because my Son has The same disease which is very rare. Please if anyone can stop this, we are interested!
Kind regards,Esther

Dear Esther, most likely you have the rare dominant form of Stargardt disease that involves the ELOVL-4 gene.
You should consider genetic testing to verify the mutation as it is possible that a gene therapy trial may take place sometime in the future. For information on genetic testing, please see the following web link to download a PDF document: http://www.blindness.org/sites/default/files/genetic_testing_booklet_201311rev.pdf You should also consider participating in FFB’s “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that monitors clinical trials that are recruiting for various retinal diseases. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/ Finally, you can monitor the research on ELOVL4 by checking the PubMed website. Here is a link to recent science articles on ELOVL4: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=elovl4

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I am a 48 year old Thai , living in America with my husband.
I was diagnosed with Stargardts about 2 years ago , but recently the vision is worsening.
How can we be accepted for ALK 001 clinical trials. ?

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

Hi, our lives have seriously been impacted in the last two weeks, and it was very difficult to learn that our beloved 9 year old is diagnosed with Stargardt.
We would be interested in participating in clinical trials, at this stage if you could share any information, it would be greatly appreciated. A desperate PLEA all the way from South Africa

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

Besides getting genetic testing, your son should consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

Your daughter should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

My name is Cheryl Ellis Dent I was diagnosed with Stargardts disease approximately 40 years ago at the Wilmer Eye Clinic by Dr. Robert Liss. I am scheduled to see Dr. Shaw at the Wilmer Eye Clinic on September 22. I am productively employed and want to remain that way but have noticed a marked deterioration in my vision and this is what motivated me to schedule the appointment with Dr. Shaw. After scheduling the appointment I became aware of your clinical trial. I am very interested in your work and would love to participate in your study. Thank you for your time I look forward to hearing from at your earliest convenience.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicine (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Ocata Therapeutics (https://www.ocata.com/), a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, has developed an RPE cell line that is derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC). Studies have shown that the subretinal transplantation of ESC-RPE cells in a rat RP model resulted in 100% visual function rescue. Functional rescue was also achieved in the Stargardt mouse model with near-normal functional measurements recorded at more than 70 days. The RPE cell transplantation studies are now in Phase 2 human clinicals. Here is the link to the Clinical Trials.Gov recruitment web page: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2
*Note: It is not known how long the transplanted RPE cells will last in a human patient with Stargardt disease. Unless gene or pharmaceutical-based augmentation treatment is coupled to the RPE transplant, toxic A2E will continue to be produced and eventually kill the RPE cells.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

My nephew was just diagnosed in South Africa with Stargardt’s he is 12 years old and any help with information or trials would be greatly appreciated. He is in the beginning stage so if anything is available to stop any deterioration would be a blessing.
Thank you
Helena

You should also consider enrolling in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

My daughter is 32 years of age and was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease when she was 19. Please continue
these trials so that she will have the opportunity to improve her vision. She has 4 year old twins and worries constantly about being able to see them do things as they grow.

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

everyone are telling that your eyesight are terrible. my vision is 10% and i’m only 18. what do you guys feel? pls make it as fast as possible to look foe the drugs and test it quickly, not by just publishing articles that gives me hope. i’m nearly blind and i’m following this foundation since 2014 and yet, no remedies had been found. take this seriously. thanks

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling your boys in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

I’m Satyajit Kumar Mondal from Bangladesh. I’ve been diagnosed with Stargardts’ disease at Sankarnetraloy in Chennai in India in 2004. I have been keeping an eye on the development of the trial regarding this disease. I’d be so grateful to you if yoy keep me informed of the treatment.
Thanking you!

I am 28 and was diagnosed with the condition 10 years ago.
Life is okay but it gets hard because it’s hard to keep jobs with this major limitation. Competing with ‘normal’ people is getting harder.
I live in Germany and if there is any candidate required for research here, I am happy to sign up.

My daughter has been diagnosed to be having stargardts we are taking, Hemopathi Treatment from Dr Metha Mumbai from last one and half year and slow improvements , will be eagerly waiting for the research trail result.
Thankyou

You should consider enrolling your daughter in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/
Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/
Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling your son in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

My 11 year old daughter was recently diagnosed through genetic testing for Stargardts. Vision has been different throughout the last few months, and I am determined to help her and will travel anywhere I need to — would love to be included in this clinical trial! From a high honor roll student, a dancer, excels at everything, the thought of her losing her dreams in life is heart breaking.

Would truly appreciate a chance to be enrolled for your clinical trial — thank you!

You should also consider enrolling your daughter in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

You should also consider enrolling your son in “My Retina Tracker”, a free registry that helps link people with retinal disease to appropriate clinical trials that are recruiting. For more information on “My Retina Tracker” please see the following web link: https://www.myretinatracker.org/

Of general interest, there is a “Stargardt – Macular Degeneration” Facebook page where people can communicate with other people affected by Stargardt disease. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stargardts/

Finally, below is a list of pharmaceutical companies that are developing therapies for Stargardt Disease:

Acucela,( http://www.acucela.com/) is a Seattle-based biotechnology company that is developing several drugs for retinal diseases such as AMD, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and Stargardt disease. Acucela’s visual cycle modulators (VCM) reduce the activity of the rod visual system — in essence, “slowing it down” and reducing the metabolic load on the retina. Reducing the speed of the visual cycle has been shown to protect the retina from light damage and reduce the accumulation of retinal-related toxic by-products, including A2E, which is implicated in both Stargardt disease and dry AMD. The Company’s lead investigational compound (Emixustat™) completed Phase 3 trials for dry AMD in June 2016. Unfortunately, the drug failed to slow lesion growth in over 500 patients with geographic atrophy, a form of dry AMD. Because of a strong demonstration of efficacy in the Stargardt mouse model, Acucela is considering initiating a study to explore potential benefits of Emixustat in patients with Stargardt disease.

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Vision Medicines (Previously Visum) The Foundation Fighting Blindness is partnering with Vision Medicine to develop a small molecule therapy Stargardt disease. Vision Medicine’s novel approach proposes to develop drugs that will temporarily control levels of A2E in the eye and preserve the natural vision cycle, leading to a therapeutic treatment. Vision Medicine has discovered a unique chemical approach to sequester rather than eliminate A2E. Through this process, 25 diverse FDA approved drugs demonstrating both mechanistic and in vivo efficacy have been identified. Vision Medicine has identified a lead compound, VM 200, which is an enantiomer of an FDA approved drug that demonstrates complete retinal protection in preclinical studies. Vision Medicine plans to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in the near future.

Below is a list of companies that are developing treatments for Stargardt Disease:

Sanofi (http://en.sanofi.com/index.aspx) Gene therapy offers a viable alternative to pharmaceutical therapy. With gene replacement therapy, a normal ABCA4 gene is introduced into photoreceptor cells to supplant the function of the defective gene. FFB-supported scientist, Dr. Rando Allikmets, was the first individual to show that a lentivirus could be used to deliver a normal ABCA4 gene into photoreceptor cells of the ABCA4 mutant mouse. Dr. Allikmet’s gene therapy studies have led to a collaboration between Sanofi and the Foundation Fighting Blindness to develop a gene therapy treatment Stargardt disease. A Phase I/II human clinical trial evaluating Stargen™ was initiated in 2011. The Phase I/II trial is currently taking place in Paris, Oregon, Texas and Florida. For more information, see the following link: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01367444?term=stargardt&rank=3

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Our son is 49 years old and was diagnosed with Stargardt when he was 18. Is there any advancement in the research since the clinical trials in 2015 and 2016? Has the drug proven helpful? Thank you for any info.

Below is a list of companies that are developing treatments for Stargardt Disease:

Sanofi (http://en.sanofi.com/index.aspx) Gene therapy offers a viable alternative to pharmaceutical therapy. With gene replacement therapy, a normal ABCA4 gene is introduced into photoreceptor cells to supplant the function of the defective gene. FFB-supported scientist, Dr. Rando Allikmets, was the first individual to show that a lentivirus could be used to deliver a normal ABCA4 gene into photoreceptor cells of the ABCA4 mutant mouse. Dr. Allikmet’s gene therapy studies have led to a collaboration between Sanofi and the Foundation Fighting Blindness to develop a gene therapy treatment Stargardt disease. A Phase I/II human clinical trial evaluating Stargen™ was initiated in 2011. The Phase I/II trial is currently taking place in Paris, Oregon, Texas and Florida. For more information, see the following link: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01367444?term=stargardt&rank=3

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

I am 50 years old and have been diagnosed with startgardts and looking to participates in trials. Is there anything that has been proven to date that stops the progression of or reversal of startgardts? Feel free to contact me.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form toxic vitamin A metabolites and A2E. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound with a well-understood mechanism of action. ALK-001 was specifically designed to treat Stargardt disease by preventing the formation of these toxic vitamin A dimers in the eye. Alkeus is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2 human clinical trial. Here is the link to the clinical trials.gov recruitment page: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

Astellas Pharma (https://www.astellas.us/ ) acquired Ocata Therapeutics in May of 2016. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and supported by a research team in Tsukuba, Japan, Astellas serves as a global hub for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas that have few or no available treatment. At the present time, the RPE transplantation studies have been completed and the Phase 3 trial has yet to be announced. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01469832?term=advanced+cell+technology&rank=2

I am 37 and was diagnosed with Stargardt at the age of 9. The vision is progressively deteriorating but i can still see large fonts and recognise faces. Is there something that your organisation can do to stop further degeneration.

Besides the gene therapy trial being conducted by Sanofi, a number of companies are developing pharmaceutical treatments for Stargardt disease.

Alkeus, (http://alkeus.com/) Alkeus has developed a form of vitamin A that upon light interaction, does not form a toxic vitamin A byproduct that occurs in the retina of people with Stargardt disease. Alkeus’ lead compound, ALK-001, is an oral compound that is now in Phase 2 human clinical trials. For more information on the clinical trial, please see the following weblink: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02402660

My brother has been diagnosed with Stargardts disease approximately 30 years ago. He was a candidate for clinical trials in Portland about 8 or 9 years ago, but the doctor(from England, I believe) left the clinical trials, my brother was going to be patient #2. He was devastated when the doctor left. I would love to see if he could be included in phase 2 of the trials. Please keep me updated. Thank you

The following site has information about the trial you mentioned (including contact information). We suggest you contact them to see if your brother may be eligible now or in the future:https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01367444

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[…] Alkeus [ USA ] has launched a Multi-center phase II clinical trial for the drug ALK-001, for Stargardt Disease where the basis of the disease is a buildup of a toxic form of Vitamin A. The drug targets this waste-management problem. The ALK-001 replaces hydrogen atoms in Vitamin A with deuterium and this “burns cleaner” than the natural form. Deuterium is a safe, naturally occurring, non-radioactive form of hydrogen which is present in the human body. “The Phase II study will hopefully tell us more about the drug’s potential for slowing vision loss in people with Stargardt disease,” says Dr. Scholl. “If it works, we may have an opportunity to try it for other macular conditions, including dry age-related macular degeneration.” See more at: http://www.blindness.org/blog/index.php/arvo-2016-emerging-drug-targets-toxic-build-up-in-stargardt-disease/

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